First degree part-time studies - Specialisation modules in the field of International Economic Relations
First degree part-time studies - Specialisation modules in the field of International Economic Relations
Starting from the first semester of studies, students pursue a general subject, a group of basic subjects and a group of field-of-study-related subjects. Starting from the fourth semester, followed by the fifth and sixth semesters, the student chooses a specialisation module comprising several subjects related to a selected area of international economic relations.
The advantage of such a module programme is that it enables the student to choose between different subject areas in subsequent semesters of study. In this way, students can independently create their study path, guided by their interests and ambitions.
The modules in the individual semesters differ in character, from delving into specific areas of international business practice to examining the effectiveness of economic processes in foreign markets and tools for improving these processes.
The self-designed path enables the student to acquire the comprehensive knowledge necessary to work in international companies or run a global business independently.
SEQUENCE OF SPECIALISATION MODULES PER SEMESTER:
Semester 4:
Module A1: Foundations of International Entrepreneurship
or
Module A2: Basics of Foreign Trade Transactions
Semester 5:
Module B1: Enterprise on International Market
or
Module B2: Handling Transactions in Foreign Trade
Semester 6:
Module C1: Manager in International Business
or
Module C2: Maritime Transport in Foreign Trade
Module A1: Foundations of International Entrepreneurship
Students choose one of the two modules offered each semester. Launching the specialisation module depends on the preferences of part-time students in the International Economic Relations programme. The module will not start if the required number of students do not enrol (by Resolution No. 71/19 of the Senate of the University of Gdansk of 23 May 2019).
Description of specialisation modules:
Semester 4:
Module A1: Foundations of International Entrepreneurship
The Foundations of International Entrepreneurship module is the first module introducing students to the issues of doing business in the international economy. It aims to familiarise students with setting up a business and then building a competitive advantage of a business entity, considering the specifics of the industry and macroeconomic environment. An analysis of the determinants of innovative activity and an awareness of various aspects of risk in international business play an essential role in this area.
This module A1 consists of four subjects.
In the Basics of Entrepreneurship on International Market lecture, students will learn about the formal, legal, financial, and strategic aspects of starting a business.
The lecture on International Competitiveness will enable students to acquire basic knowledge on how to build the competitive advantages of enterprises operating in an external environment of the industry, region, and country internationally.
The Innovation of Enterprises on International Market class will discuss the essence, types and sources of innovation, determinants of innovative activity, and ways of measuring and criteria for assessing this activity of enterprises.
The seminar Risk in International Business will allow students to familiarise themselves with risk identification, its mechanisms of occurrence, and the assessment of its consequences.
Combining theory and analysis of practical examples will familiarise students with the realities of operating companies on the international market.
This module is intended for students who plan to run their own business or work in the SME sector. It provides a background for the exploration of detailed issues concerning the operation of companies on the market in an international environment.
The knowledge and qualifications acquired will enable students to run their businesses successfully, as well as to take up positions in companies present in various international markets, as well as in local and state government units.
Two further modules within this path, Enterprise on International Market and Manager in International Business offer complementary knowledge of business management in a foreign market.
Module A2: Basics of Foreign Trade Transactions
Nowadays, most companies operate internationally, maintaining contacts with foreign partners and carrying out transactions in the international market. To successfully build their position, these companies need specialists with knowledge of performing foreign trade transactions in a broad sense. The Basics of Foreign Trade Transactions module is aimed at students who already work in companies operating in the international market or plan to work in the future. Within the framework of this module, students will become familiar with various forms of global trade transactions and the specific conditions of their application. They will receive knowledge supported by practical examples in the technical and documentation handling of foreign transactions and skills in conducting business contacts in new markets. This will be complemented by expertise in supply chains in the international market.
The Basics of Foreign Trade Transactions module is the first in a coherent path that develops students' competencies in conducting operational activities in companies operating in the international market. The following two modules, Handling Transactions in Foreign Trade and Maritime Transport in Foreign Trade, offer complementary knowledge to work in such a company successfully.
Semester 5:
Module B1: Enterprise on International Market
The Enterprise on International Market module aims to provide students with knowledge and skills to help them work in the international market. The second module in the path offers complementary knowledge on managing an enterprise in the global market.
Participants in the module will learn about the theoretical and practical aspects of operating an enterprise effectively in the international market, including ways of conducting business, financing, obtaining information, and communicating effectively. The knowledge gained will enable students to conduct research independently and identify basic assumptions regarding brand/product strategy or the specifics of communication in international markets.
The module is designed for those interested in running an effective business both domestically and internationally, either as employees in their own company or a medium or large company operating internationally.
Module B1: Enterprise on International Market
Four subjects within the EIM module focus on the practical aspects of operating a business on the international market.
Communication in International Business - a subject that introduces the specifics of communication in the international market, considering cultural differences. Practical classes using case studies and practical experience.
Sources of Financing of Multinational Enterprises - types of possible financing sources depending on the market, fundraising opportunities, specifics of particular financing sources
Foreign Market Research (Market Research) – the essence of sources of market information, practical ways of researching foreign markets based on a project of independently designed and implemented market research from the moment the need arises to the presentation of the final report containing conclusions/recommendations
Product, Brand and Pricing Policy - the link between product, brand and price. Ways of managing the product in connection with the brand and the impact of the brand on the price. Class based on practical case studies from different markets
Among the benefits that the student will gain by choosing the EIM module are:
- knowledge of the specifics of operating and financing activities in international markets
- ability to design and conduct marketing research
- evaluation of elements influencing brand value
- product management and pricing policy
- assessing the risks, threats and opportunities of operating on international markets
- the opportunity to run the own business in international markets
- working in managerial positions in companies operating in domestic and foreign markets
- managing company activities in a selected market.
Module B2: Handling Transactions in Foreign Trade
The Handling Transactions in Foreign Trade module is the second in a coherent path that develops students' competencies in conducting operational activities in companies operating on the international market. The module aims to impart the knowledge and skills to manage commercial transactions in foreign markets. In the era of globalisation and internationalisation, it isn't easy to imagine a company limiting its operations to the domestic market. Technological progress and the subsequent development of innovative customer communication and distribution channels make it natural for companies to operate internationally.
Those responsible for executing transactions with foreign customers must have knowledge and operational competence in fundraising, logistical handling, risk management, and communication and negotiation with counterparties.
Economic Insurance. The course covers business risk management areas, such as using an insurance contract.
Sources of Financing in Foreign Trade. This course provides knowledge on the sources of financing for businesses operating in a dynamically changing international environment.
Customs Service of Foreign Trade. The course ensures the knowledge of customs service for companies carrying out commercial transactions on the international market, planning this process from the position of the customs authority and the position of the company, filling out customs documents, determining the origin of goods, tariff codes and the customs value of goods.
Transport Services in Foreign Trade. Students will acquire knowledge of the organisation and execution of international transport processes.
Basics of communication and negotiation with business partners. After completing the course, the student should be able to identify and describe the elements of marketing communication, create an outline of marketing communication for an organisation or a company and justify their choice, as well as give examples of adequate negotiation techniques and apply the aforementioned techniques appropriately in a given negotiation situation.
The knowledge and skills acquired in the Handling Transactions in Foreign Trade module will enable students to plan their activities when completing trade transactions on foreign markets.
Semester 6:
Module C1: Manager in International Business
The subject matter of the Manager in International Business module relates to the issues discussed in the previous semesters' modules, Foundations of International Entrepreneurship and Enterprise on International Market, which offer complementary knowledge of managing a business in the foreign market.
The module highlights the most critical areas of a manager's work in an international enterprise. It is designed for students who wish to be future managers and perform well as team leaders.
The subjects' arrangement and content form a coherent and logical whole. Theoretical issues are discussed based on examples from practice. Most classes have a workshop character, enabling the students to acquire practical skills for managers to make decisions and effectively manage a company.
There are five subjects within this module:
Basics of Strategic Analysis in International Business. The course aims to familiarise students with various methods and tools of strategic analysis and their applicability in the enterprise.
Cultural Differences in the Business Team. During the course, the student will learn about cultural differences and their influence on the effectiveness of teams working in a culturally diverse environment.
Analysis of Financial Reports and Controlling aims to obtain knowledge, skills, and competencies in studying a company's financial resources and strategic and operational control.
Perfect Manager. The course provides information on managers' attitudes and behaviours, roles, and importance in developing a modern enterprise.
Managerial Workshops. The course aims to familiarise students with the principles of starting and running a business. Students prepare an original business plan, and the results of the business financing are analysed using Excel.
Module C2: Maritime Transport in Foreign Trade
The study offered within the module Maritime Transport in Foreign Trade is aimed at students wishing to broaden their knowledge of foreign trade concerning transport handling of international goods exchange. Currently, over 80% of world trade volume is seaborne, meaning that most internationally traded goods are transported by sea.
Modern companies involved in foreign trade need specialists familiar with the specifics of maritime trade. Such specialists are also required by many enterprises operating in the fast-growing logistics services sector, called the TSL sector in Poland, i.e. transport enterprises, including port, forwarding, and logistics enterprises.
Transactions involving the execution of cargo transport processes using the sea route require specialist knowledge of trade and transport documentation and forming land-sea transport chains in which sea shipowners, seaports, and land carriers remain essential links.
The importance of maritime transport in logistic supply chains, which are now global, is increasing, and this is linked to the volume of international trade and the implementation of the concept of sustainable development.
In the module, students acquire knowledge and skills in Transactions in Seaborne Trade, Marine Insurance, International Sea Shipping and The Functioning and Development of Sea Ports in the World.
The courses introduce the role of maritime transport in the world economy and international trade. They deepen the student’s knowledge about planning, organising, and supervising maritime trade transactions, the risks involved, and maritime insurance as a risk management tool.
The students become familiar with trade procedures for importing and exporting goods by sea and port and maritime trade's technical and organisational specificities.
The students learn about the functioning of international shipping (different types of shipping), i.e. the shipping companies involved in the shipping markets and the associated agency and brokerage companies. They learn about seaports as state transport infrastructure facilities, transport hubs, links in land-sea transport chains, and the directions of their development worldwide.